Introduction: Currently no evidence-based guideline exists for the approach to hypophosphatemia in critically ill patients.
Methods: We performed a narrative review of the medical literature to identify the incidence, symptoms, and treatment of hypophosphatemia
in critically ill patients. Specifically, we searched for answers to the questions whether correction of hypophosphatemia
is associated with improved outcome, and whether a certain treatment strategy is superior. Results: Incidence: hypophosphatemia
is frequently encountered in the intensive care unit; and critically ill patients are at increased risk for developing hypophosphatemia
due to the presence of multiple causal factors. Symptoms: hypophosphatemia may lead to a multitude of symptoms, including
cardiac and respiratory failure. Treatment: hypophosphatemia is generally corrected when it is symptomatic or severe. However,
although multiple studies confirm the efficacy and safety of intravenous phosphate administration, it remains uncertain when
and how to correct hypophosphatemia. Outcome: in some studies, hypophosphatemia was associated with higher mortality; a paucity
of randomized controlled evidence exists for whether correction of hypophosphatemia improves the outcome in critically ill
patients. Conclusions: Additional studies addressing the current approach to hypophosphatemia in critically ill patients are
required. Studies should focus on the association between hypophosphatemia and morbidity and/or mortality, as well as the
effect of correction of this electrolyte disorder

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